He runs with his head down and eyes forward, and it's the same approach he's taking on the upcoming season.
Even after breaking out of a rookie season on special teams in 2007 to emerge as a key component in last year's playoff run, Edmonton Eskimos running back Calvin McCarty isn't hanging his helmet on what he's accomplished so far.
"I'm looking forward to the season, looking forward to strapping it back up again and looking forward to the journey to the championship," said the Surrey, B.C., native.
The Western Washington product inked a multi-year contract extension in December.
It was a reward for a sophomore season where McCarty rushed for 490 yards on 88 carries with four touchdowns, while contributing 70 receptions for 583 yards and a TD. But those are just numbers now.
"It's exactly what it is. It was last year," said the 24-year-old, who is entering his third season with the Eskimos. "It's a whole clean slate this year. I'm here to do work and make plays."
As a running back, it's no surprise McCarty focused on running during the off-season, training with 1996 Olympic gold medallist Robert (Blast Off) Esmie - who won the 4x100 m event in Atlanta with Donovan Bailey, Glenroy Gilbert and Bruny Surin.
"Just a lot of running with him and a lot of clean work and running sand and water workouts. Stuff like that to get ready," said McCarty.
But running - however important - isn't all there is to football, and showing up to camp in shape doesn't necessarily mean a player is in game shape.
"I still think you've got to kind of use the training camp to springboard yourself to the season," said McCarty. "I don't think you can go 100% all out (from the beginning). Especially after playing so many games last season, you need that rest in there. I think that rest is important and the workout is important heading into training camp.
"Because it's a long season, especially if you want to be playing in that last game."
It works out to 18 regular-season games plus playoffs as well as a pair of preseason tilts on top of training camp. But at least he didn't have to report earlier in the week for rookie camp like the new recruits.
"It's a nice break to get out there with some fresh legs," McCarty said of today's main camp. "You know, those young bucks come up and they're amped to go so they're kind of paced down a little bit. It should be fun anyways."
April Fools?
Veteran defensive back Anthony Malbrough will not be joining the Eskimos at training camp.
"He has had some discussions with his family and at this point in time, he has chosen not to report," said Eskimos general manager and director of football operations Danny Maciocia. "That doesn't necessarily mean that there won't be a change of heart in the future. Obviously, we're going to move forward with the people we've got here."
Heading into his eighth season in the CFL, the five-foot-nine, 180-pound defensive back was acquired by the Eskimos from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on April 1.
Glasper recovering
Although the club did not elaborate on his condition, the Eskimos will also lose the services of defensive back Ryan Glasper.
"Glasper has a medical issue. He's been hospitalized for the last little while. I think he was discharged a few days ago," said Maciocia. "He's doing much better, but he's clearly in no condition right now to come to any pro camp."
GERRY.MODDEJONGE@SUNMEDIA.CA
